CU, one of South Korea’s largest convenience store brands, is making its U.S. debut with its first store set to open in Hawaii this October, marking the first-ever entry of a Korean convenience store chain into the American market.
On May 27, CU’s operator BGF Retail announced the establishment of a local subsidiary in Hawaii and the signing of a master franchise agreement (MFA) with CU Hawaii LLC, a new convenience store-focused entity founded by Hawaiian firm WKF Inc.
The agreement grants CU Hawaii LLC the rights to operate CU-branded stores, manage operations, and expand the business across the state.
The signing ceremony was attended by Min Seung-bae, CEO of BGF Retail, and Robert Kurisu, CEO of CU Hawaii LLC.
This move is significant not only because it’s CU’s first step into the U.S., but also because it brings a Korean brand into the birthplace of the convenience store industry.
The world’s first convenience store opened in Dallas, Texas in 1927; now, nearly a century later, a Korean brand is entering the U.S. market 36 years after the convenience store model was introduced in Korea in 1989.
Hawaii was chosen as CU’s entry point due to its year-round warm weather, strong tourism sector, and cultural diversity. In 2023, Hawaii welcomed 10 million visitors, with Americans making up the majority (7.5 million), followed by tourists from Japan (570,000), Canada (410,000), and South Korea (160,000). Daily spending per tourist averaged approximately $240, with dining accounting for 40% of that amount.
CU plans to focus heavily on localization. Stores will feature optimized layouts and self-checkout zones powered by retail tech.
The product lineup will include Korean-style ready meals, hot food, and locally inspired items such as poke and loco moco. Instant noodle cooking stations—popular among Korean tourists—will also be installed.
The first store will open this October, with plans to expand into various commercial districts across the state. BGF Retail CEO Min Seung-bae said, “By entering the U.S., the world’s largest retail market, we’re laying the foundation for Korean convenience stores to go global.
We aim to showcase the full potential of K-convenience based on decades of experience at home and abroad.”
Robert Kurisu of CU Hawaii LLC added, “Hawaii’s high cost of living and limited retail options make it a great location for new retail models.
We’re excited to introduce CU as a fresh and appealing option for local consumers.”
